I wasn't sure about this book when I picked it up, but it turned out to be a beautiful book. The tender words of a mother to her child, words of love I wasn't sure about this book when I picked it up, but it turned out to be a beautiful book. The tender words of a mother to her child, words of love and devotion, touched my heart. These words of hope would be perfect for sharing between a mother and child. And the illustrations are utterly magical and gorgeous....more
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I'd heard so much about it that I couldn't help wanting to read it. And now I'm really glad that I diI wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I'd heard so much about it that I couldn't help wanting to read it. And now I'm really glad that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Castle Cranshaw (Ghost). Castle makes for an great narrator as he explains about his father trying to shoot him and his mother, about dealing with a bully, and joining the Defenders track team. 'Ghost' as Castle prefers to be called, all to often reacts first and thinks later, such as when he impulsively steps up to compete with one of the Defenders runners to prove that he can run faster. Then his anger gets the better of him and he attacks Brandon Simmons, a bully who won't leave him alone. He makes a couple of other poor decisions as he struggles to cope with the circumstances in which he finds himself. What I really appreciated in this book are the adults that Ghost has around, supporting and helping him. Ghost's mother works hard to provide for herself and her son, the principal listens when Ghost explains why he attacked Brandon and applies appropriate punishments for both boys, and Coach, who encourages Ghost to make better choices, as well as offering solid discipline in terms of both character and athletics. And as Ghost gets to know the other kids on the team, it offers him hope for a better future.
More books like this one are needed. Books that help kids see themselves and the very real problems that they have to live with, but also windows, that allow other readers to develop empathy for those who face challenges different than their own. The fact that this is a problem story that doesn't harp on the problems or have a narrator that feels sorry for himself makes the book all the more powerful. Being under 200 pages also makes it a fairly quick and easy read for reluctant readers. I also enjoyed the focus on a sport other than football, basketball, or baseball. I'm glad that Reynolds is going to write more books in this series about the other kids that are on the track team. I highly recommend this one, it justly deserved to be a National Book Award Finalist and is a great candidate for other upcoming awards....more
To be honest, I'm still processing this book. There were things I really liked about it, and other things I wasn't so sure about. Gidwitz does a fabulTo be honest, I'm still processing this book. There were things I really liked about it, and other things I wasn't so sure about. Gidwitz does a fabulous job telling the story. Using secondary characters to tell the story gives the events of the story a rather unusual perspective or perspectives, I should say. The way the inquisitor's story eventually merges with that of the children makes for an interesting subplot. But of course, the focus is indeed on the children and the experiences that bring them together.
Jeanne, a young peasant girl who has visions of the future has to flee her home when she joins forces with Gwenforte, the resurrected dog who saved her life as a baby. Knights have been sent to kill the dog and destroy the grave because the locals have been reported 'worshipping' the animal. William is sent away from the monastery that has been his home for eleven years after he breaks a stone bench with his fist (he's a very large biracial boy with half African roots, which leads him to stand out in medieval France). And poor Jewish Jacob flees his home when his village is set aflame by some cruel and misguided so-called Christian youth. The children do not trust each other at first since they come from such different backgrounds.
It's the way the children learn to befriend and trust each other despite their drastic differences that really made the book for me. It wasn't the miracles or special abilities that made the children stand out the most to me, it was the way they overcame the prejudices of the time to care about and support each other. This allows them to unite to accomplish an almost impossible task, a task that puts them at great risk of martyrdom when they anger the Queen Mother and King of France.
I can't really review the illustrations because the e-book didn't really do them justice, but they looked like the sort of illumination that monks used to create books during the Middle Ages.
While some of the events of the story are a bit fantastical as they are based on legends (depending on your religious beliefs), other parts of the story are based on actual fact. It was fascinating to read the author's note explaining the real parts of the story, the legends merged into the story, and the inspiration that led the author to write the story in the first place.
Religion does play a key role in this story, several religions as a matter of fact: Christian predominately but also Judaism and Islam. I did find it odd that there was so much swearing using God's name considering the beliefs of the characters. And the portrayal of Christianity was a study in contrasts with some of the characters behaving in a Christlike manner and others not much at all. It's the relationships between the children that offers hope for a world that didn't accept differences and tended to encourage the use of force in getting others to agree with you.
While I enjoyed the book for the most part, I'm not sure how many children will pick this book up. Historical fiction is a hard sell at the best of times. An historical novel based in the Middle Ages that's as long as this one is, with such strong religious themes running through it, makes it a difficult book to get children to pick up. I'd be interesting in hearing the opinions of children who've read the book....more
While this book is not one of my favorites for 2016, it is a cute book and it has appeared on several best of lists, so it is definitely in the runninWhile this book is not one of my favorites for 2016, it is a cute book and it has appeared on several best of lists, so it is definitely in the running for the ALA Awards. This story revolves around a duckling who opens a book only to discover that the book doesn't have any pictures, it's all text. At first this makes him mad and he throws the book. But afterwords he feels bad and picks it back up and starts to read it. When a bookworm shows up and asks him if he can read it, he isn't sure at first, but he keeps at it and eventually finds himself creating his own pictures to go with the words. By the time he is finished, he is thoroughly in love with the book. Interestingly, the words on the front end papers are in jibberish with a few recognizable words mixed in. But the back end papers are completely readable. An interesting symbol of the theme of the book: that learning to read pure text can be challenging, but worth it in the end. While the illustrations here aren't my favorite, I can't deny that they are still cute and appealing, and the message is a powerful one....more
A young boy, his little sister, and his parents are off on a trip. As readers we follow along as the suitcases get packed (including monkey), the taxiA young boy, his little sister, and his parents are off on a trip. As readers we follow along as the suitcases get packed (including monkey), the taxi is loaded, the airport is navigated, and the plane takes off and arrives. Each aspect of the journey is documented in the detailed and adorable illustrations. I think the part of the book I enjoyed the most was looking at all the details in the illustrations. It's fun to follow sock monkey's journey, as well as a strange shaped fragile package, and several other travelers that appear throughout the book. Even the cover under the book jacket gives additional details about the travelers. This book makes for a delightful look at traveling but also a great way to prepare children for traveling by airplane. With no shortage of fun things to look at and discuss this book makes for a great sharing experience. While the details of the book are great for one-on-one reading, story times are likely to be a bit more difficult because of all the details....more
This book has created some controversy, which I doubt was the author/illustrator's intention. My overall impression of the book was one of enjoyment. This book has created some controversy, which I doubt was the author/illustrator's intention. My overall impression of the book was one of enjoyment. Telgemeier has created another fun story using her well-known illustrative style. I have no doubt that many young readers will enjoy the book. Cat is a great character who struggles to support her ailing little sister, while not wanting to be held back by it. When Cat discovers that the new city that she and her family have moved to celebrates the holiday of Day of the Dead and celebrates with the ghosts of former friends and family, she's rather freaked out by it, especially after some of the ghosts lead her sister into a trip to the hospital. But with the help of her family and her new friends, Cat finds a way to face her fears while learning more about the culture and traditions of her new town.
The concerns I've read about relate to the portrayal of the Latinx community and the Day of the Dead celebration. The other issue is the use of old mission ruins as the setting for the first appearance of the ghosts and the place where they most commonly come. Old Missions do carry certain symbolism and memories, often unpleasant memories, for some peoples, especially some First/Native Nations peoples. The other issue I can't really comment on because my experience with the Day of the Dead is very limited. How accurate the portrayal is, I don't really know. The same goes for the portrayal of cystic fibrosis, I know very little about it so I cannot confirm or deny it's accuracy. I did take note in the author's note at the end of the book, that the author did put effort into gathering information about these topics. It's clear from what I've read and seen that reactions to this book may vary widely. That fact needs to be taken into consideration by librarians and other gatekeepers who either select or do not select this book for collection inclusion....more
Jim LaMarche has long been a favorite illustrator of mine. His pictures are so gorgeous and serene, especially the nature ones. In Pond, Matt discoverJim LaMarche has long been a favorite illustrator of mine. His pictures are so gorgeous and serene, especially the nature ones. In Pond, Matt discovers a small spring in a damaged area that inspires him to try restoring the pond that once existed. With the help of his friend Pablo, and his sister, Katie, as well as his father, Matt works hard to recreate the pond. And with hard work and dedication, they succeed. I found it delightful to watch the pond come back to life. It was fun spotting the animals as they returned as well as following the kids as they restored an old boat and sailed on the pond. The illustrations I could have stared at for hours. In a book that shows the power of the human will to rebuild what people have damaged, the illustrations stand out as much as the pond does. One of my favorites for the year....more
Mo Willems has really hit it out of the park, again, with this amusing look at a youngster's efforts to run an errand for her mother. Young Nanette, aMo Willems has really hit it out of the park, again, with this amusing look at a youngster's efforts to run an errand for her mother. Young Nanette, a frog, is sent by her mother to buy a baguette from the local bakery. Despite being distracted by friends, Nanette makes it to the bakery and buys the best baguette available. But the bread smells so delicious, and is so warm, that Nanette is seriously tempted and before she knows it, the loaf has been eaten. How can she go home after messing up her task? Oh, what regret for poor Nanette. The rhymes are silly and fun to read out loud. I found myself giggling while reading this to the kindergartners. And I adored the illustrations. The town is a three-dimensional construction with the characters carefully placed and moved. The amount of work that Willems went through to create the art for this book is evident in the photographs included on the end flap. The unique illustrations along with the funny story and creative rhyming make for a thoroughly engaging and unique picture book....more
Alan Gratz has written a compelling story about a young man fighting for what he believes is right. From the night he first witnessed the cruely of thAlan Gratz has written a compelling story about a young man fighting for what he believes is right. From the night he first witnessed the cruely of the Nazis, Michael has been doing his part to help the Allies defeat them. Joining the Hitler Youth and working with his spy mother, Michael gathers intel that is then sent on to the British. But after helping rescue a downed British pilot and finding out about Projekt 1065. When a fellow Hitler Youth who he helped escape a beating shows him part of the blueprints for an experimental jet airplane, Michael becomes determined to see the whole set of plans. With his photographic memory, he believes just a few minutes with each of the twelve pages will allow him to pass the plans on to the British airman who will pass them on to the British. But things get complicated as Michael discovers that his new found friend, Fritz has become part of a secret mission and he himself gets pulled deeper into the world of the Hitler Youth. Themes of friendship, loyalties, and sacrifice shine through as Michael and his family have to make some really tough choices about the price they are willing to pay to help the Allies, maybe even their lives. I wish I had more historical fiction like this in my library. Books like this help history come alive along with telling a compelling, edge of your seat story. I appreciated the notes the author makes at the end, highlighting the parts of the story that were real and the parts that aren't. Gratz has created another powerful story about a time in the history of the world that left it's mark on all who were touched by it....more
Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day helped open the door to children's books being published with diverse main characters. While the lack of such diversityEzra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day helped open the door to children's books being published with diverse main characters. While the lack of such diversity remains a problem, the numbers of such books being published continues to grow. In beautiful poetic language, Andrea Davis Pinkney introduces the reader to the man behind the book. I didn't even know that Keats had changed his name until reading this book. I loved getting a glimpse into the man who dared to take a chance, who saw a picture of a cute African-American boy and hung on to it because it touched him. And then 20-years down the road using that photograph as inspiration when creating his first children's picture book. It was sweet reading about the encouragement Ezra (Jack) received from his teachers and his concerned father regarding his passion for art. Despite serious reservations about his son being able to support himself with art, he couldn't deny his son the chance to do what he loved. And Keats continued to pursue that passion despite the discrimination (he was a Jew) and life challenges that came his way. The gorgeous illustrations beautifully complement the lyrical verse that both addresses Keats life and references Peter (The Snowy Day's main character). The wonderful combination of text and illustrations makes for a book that is a work of art unto itself....more
I was a bit reluctant to read this book for a couple of reasons. One, I've heard so many good things about it that I didn't want to be disappointed. SI was a bit reluctant to read this book for a couple of reasons. One, I've heard so many good things about it that I didn't want to be disappointed. Second, the story seemed kind of weird. But I ended up loving it. The character development is fabulous, and not just surrounding the main character Luna. Antain, the young man who wants to protect his family, Xan, the witch who adopts Luna, and the madwoman, all play important parts in the story and get their fair share of attention. Barnhill's books are known, at least in my mind, for being unusual and unique. This book definitely lives up to that standard. I did find the mother telling her child stories at the beginning and several other occasions throughout the book rather intriguing. It reinforced the myths that the people living in the Protectorate had been lead to believe. I think what I found most impressive was the intricate plotting that eventually led the main characters to each other and the answers they were seeking. I knew going in that at least some of the various characters would meet up, what was fascinating was the way it happened. And the way that magic was woven into the story and the various characters lives, especially Luna's and Xans's.
In addition to just being a great story, the themes running through the book are very thought-provoking, at least for me. The themes of kindness versus power and control, along with themes about growing up and making decisions, and then the most impressive theme of all, living with the consequences of the choices we make. All of these themes make this a book well worth reading and discussing. And after all of that, there is the volcano, the element in the story that none of the characters can control. This is a book that is well worth all the praise it has been given. Barnhill has outdone herself with this one....more
Brendan Wenzel has created a delightfully intriguing story about the way a cat is seen as it stalks through the world. The wide variety of images and Brendan Wenzel has created a delightfully intriguing story about the way a cat is seen as it stalks through the world. The wide variety of images and styles makes for some real eye candy. This book begs to be a starting point for a great discussion about point-of-view and how everyone and everything sees the world a bit differently based on both nature and nurture. A child, a dog, a fox, and a fish all see the cat in very different ways, even the cat itself doesn't see what the other animals see. A fun activity to do with children surrounding this book would be to have him/her/them draw a cat themselves just to see how their perceptions differ from those of the book and from other children. I just might do that with some of my students. The brilliance of this book makes it a great contender for not only the Caldecott but many other awards....more
This picture book is beautiful in its depiction of girls. While not really a story, there is much here that is well worth sharing and discussing with This picture book is beautiful in its depiction of girls. While not really a story, there is much here that is well worth sharing and discussing with both boys and girls. The text talks about the things that make all girls beautiful. The illustrations take it a step further by showing girls doing things they love that stereotypes would say don't match the text, such as playing pirates (knowing how to use makeup) or swinging enthusiastically on their tummies while singing like songbirds. The illustrations are full of girls who are smiling and enjoying their various activities in ways that debunk stereotypes, such as a girl building an electronic car, playing in a pond, and skateboarding. The wide-variety of different girls is also a great thing, girls of all colors and abilities (including girls in wheelchairs playing basketball). One of my favorite illustrations shows a girl in a princess crown, necklace, and crown, who when her back is shown is also carrying a sword. This is a book that I think should be shared with children of all kinds to show that beautiful is only as limited as we let it be. In my opinions this one is a must have for all sorts of collections, not just libraries....more
Oskar and Theodore love to go to the library each Saturday to read in the quiet space. But on this particular Saturday things take a turn for the loudOskar and Theodore love to go to the library each Saturday to read in the quiet space. But on this particular Saturday things take a turn for the loud, when a five-headed monster shows up looking for things to eat. Despite their best efforts, Oskar and Theodore are unable to avoid the monster and must come up with a strategy to avoid becoming the monster's lunch. I love the fact that the librarian is the one who comes to the rescue. ;) The banter between the boy, bear, and the monster heads provides plenty of humor along with the theme of storytelling being a powerful tool along with donuts. A cute book that I plan to use with my students to encourage book check out and using quiet voices in the library....more
Dragon behaves terribly. He spits on cupcakes, plays tricks on people, and takes candy from baby unicorns. The king and townspeople are very frustrateDragon behaves terribly. He spits on cupcakes, plays tricks on people, and takes candy from baby unicorns. The king and townspeople are very frustrated and angry with the dragon and seek to tame the dragon. But they fail. Only when a young lad uses a story to catch the dragon's attention does it become possible to tame this dragon's terrible behavior. DiPucchio has written a book that would work well for storytimes about dragons, the power of story, and making friends. Pizzoli's adorable illustrations make a nice complement to DiPucchio's great story, especially with fun details like graffiti on the castle walls, and toilet paper draped over the castle. This makes for a fun read that I plan to use with my students to talk about the power of story and kindness. A winner through and through....more
Reidy and Timmers have created a delightfully fun book perfect for construction-oriented story times. The rhymes are fun to read out loud and even to Reidy and Timmers have created a delightfully fun book perfect for construction-oriented story times. The rhymes are fun to read out loud and even to have the listeners repeat. I like texts like this because they feel so fun rolling off the tongue. This is the sort of text that helps children realize just how much fun words can be. The construction theme will undoubtedly be a hit for many young children as well the surprise at the end. Timmers' bright, colorful, engaging illustrations provide lots of details for children to look at and laugh at (the animals really skinny legs for one). The book also works really well for helping children develop visual literacy as they study the clues and try to figure out what the animals are building. There is more than one perfect spot to stop and let young listeners figure out what the end result is going to be. A delightful picture book that will provide a lot of fun for young readers and listeners....more
Bring Me a Rock! feels an awful lot like a fable about the dangers of being greedy and power hungry versus the value of even the littlest 'bug'. The rBring Me a Rock! feels an awful lot like a fable about the dangers of being greedy and power hungry versus the value of even the littlest 'bug'. The rude grasshopper orders the other bugs to build him a tower fit for a 'king'. But when the littlest bug shows up with a pebble he is summarily rejected. But when the grasshopper ends up in trouble, it's the littlest bug who steps up with a big solution. Miyares illustrations are the real stars here as he uses the power of size and perspective to emphasize the differences in power and influence. The facial expressions and the use of color are masterful as is the changing text and shape of the rock. The young readers will undoubtedly figure out that the grasshopper's in trouble without any words being said. This book does have words, but it's the pictures, the visuals, that really tell the story here. This book makes for an interesting read, a great teaching opportunity, and an award-worthy picture book....more
I love stories like that told in Ada's Violin. While the story begins in a shantytown built around a garbage dump and seems like it will be depressingI love stories like that told in Ada's Violin. While the story begins in a shantytown built around a garbage dump and seems like it will be depressing, that quickly changes when Favio Chavez arrives to teach the local children to play musical instruments. The problem is that none of these children's families can afford a music instrument, especially since they are all struggling just to survive. So, what do they do? They create instruments out of garbage. The ingenuity expressed in the creation of these instruments is truly inspiring. And Comport's beautiful illustrations show this wonderfully. The amount of work the children and their teacher undergo to develop their musical ability in the midst of hardship and heat and the smell of garbage. Amazingly enough, this seemingly simple idea changed not only their town, but the world beyond. I love stories like this one because they remind me that no matter how ugly the world can get, there is still hope. A beautifully told, truly inspiring true story about the impact that one person or small group of people can have on the world around them....more
I've developed a great admiration for authors and illustrators who take on biographies in the picture book format. Decisions about what to include and I've developed a great admiration for authors and illustrators who take on biographies in the picture book format. Decisions about what to include and what not to in a format that does not encourage long-windedness. Creating an accurate picture of of a real person is such a short amount of space makes for a real balancing act. But this one, by Mara Rockliff and Iacopo Bruno was absolutely delightful. Not only is the woman an interesting one but the presentation makes for a fun read-a-loud and I adored the gorgeous illustrations.
Addie proved herself an adventurous woman from the time she was a young child. She wanted to "astonish, shock, and dazzle." And she spent her life doing exactly that. Even before she married a world famous magician, Addie loved to put on a show whether it was dancing, riding a bike or anything else she could come up with. She loved doing magic with her husband, except for that dangerous bullet-catching trick. But when her husband unexpectedly dies, Addie steps forward to help the troupe survive. But who would come see a woman magician? Unless that woman magician were to perform the bullet-catching trick.
Bruno's gorgeous illustrations are as luminous as the woman he depicts. Her fiery nature shows in her red hair and lively face. The secondary characters are outlined in white creating the feeling of being on a stage. The bright colors and exciting word choices make this book a great example of a picture book biography that shines....more
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